CARE is a leading global humanitarian and development organization. In Pakistan, CARE started its operations in 2005 and since then has supported the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to reduce poverty and suffering of the people affected by disasters. CARE’s programs focus on helping Pakistan achieve its Sustainable Development Goals especially in the areas of Health, Education, Women’s Economic Empowerment and Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR). Since starting operations in Pakistan, CARE has responded with life-saving support to a series of large-scale disasters. CIP works through its local partners and a range of stakeholders for development, as well as emergency response related interventions, which makes collaboration a key component of its work, across the country. We are a nationally inclusive organization that strives to support the most vulnerable communities all over Pakistan, with particular attention to women and girls and youth.

Since the onset of 2022 monsoon floods in Pakistan, CARE International has initiated much needed life-saving humanitarian response for flood affected communities in Baluchistan, Sindh and Punjab provinces.                                                                         

I.  JOB SUMMARY:

The position of ACD-Programs provides leadership and quality assurance to its ongoing Programmes and support in business development. The individual selected for the position will be responsible for ensuring that CARE's programs in Pakistan contribute to CARE's vision of "a world of hope, tolerance and social justice, where poverty has been eliminated and people live with dignity and security". In this role, the ACD-Programs is expected to provide strategic leadership mainly in the areas of new program development. program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, team management and team building, financial management and compliances and cultivating a high performing team.

The ACD-Programs is responsible for overseeing the development of program strategies appropriate for the specific environments in which CARE works.  S/he manages a team of professionals focused on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects  that effectively address the underlying causes of poverty in line with CARE's Programming Principles. S/he must also ensure that systems and people are in place to ensure proper management of ongoing projects and programs, with a particular emphasis on programmatic learning and developing evidence of scalable methods and models capable of influencing wider policy and practice.

The ACD-Programs is a key member of the Country Office Senior Management Team and as such is responsible for leading and supporting CO initiatives across other departments as well. S/he is responsible for (along with the CD) maintaining good working relationships with donors and other partners. This position requires a seasoned leader with proven ability to perform under stress, possesses attention to detail, a proactive approach to meeting deadlines, proven experience of managing strategic donors with high value budgets and building team collaboration.

CARE Pakistan is committed to significantly multiplying impact in four interconnected and specialized strategic pathways related to the empowerment of women and girls; 1) Humanitarian Action and DRR, 2) Gender Equality, 3) Women Economic Empowerment 4) Climate Justice 5) Food, Water, Health and Nutrition 6) Education.  Each strategic pathway will facilitate changes with a focus on marginalized women and girls to reduce vulnerability and positively impact their lives and that of their families and communities.  CARE invests in these transformative impact pathways, create value for partners and those we serve, sharpen the organization’s identity and influence, increase competitiveness, and create an agile management culture and lean operating model. CARE has a special focus on working with partners and this role will be pivotal in diversifying the range of partnerships and geographic locations where we work. 

Reporting to the Country Director, the ACD-Programs will oversee establishment of partnerships, program development and implementation, impact measurement, organizational learning, funding, knowledge management and advocacy with special focus on  implementation CARE Pakistan strategy. The position will significantly contribute to identifying, selecting and assisting in implementation of CARE programs, directly or through Partners, in accordance with respective plans/budgets, and CARE’s program quality standards. 

The ACD-Programs will steer the successful operationalization of CARE Pakistan’s strategy and identifying and developing staff capabilities to successfully implement the plan. The position contributes significantly to ensure quality, effective and efficient programming that maximizes the sustainable impact of CARE’s work in Pakistan and continually strengthen CARE’s reputation as a leading and respected agency in specific areas.

II. Job Responsibilities 

Job Responsibility #1:  Fundraising, Planning, Design, Monitoring and Evaluation - % of Time:  20% 

• Lead on development and implementation of annual fundraising plan that increases ability of CO to attract funding from a variety of sectors/sources and coordinate fundraising efforts.
• Proactively develop and maintain donor relations, and strengthen understanding of donor strategies and priorities in order to be able to match programmatic direction with the most likely sources of funding.
• Strengthen overall CO skills, capacity and process so as to ensure a high quality level of proposal development, report writing and adherence to technical rigorous and standards of contracts.
• As a member of the SMT, contribute significantly to the development and implementation of Country Canvas, Annual Operational Plan and Strategic Plan of CARE .
• Supervise and improve Design, Monitoring and Evaluations functions to ensure CARE is able to monitor and track the impact and the quality of its program through regular data collections and efficient M&E system.
• Ensure that CARE programs and projects are developed in a manner, which achieves the program/project goals as outlined in P-shift and Unifying Framework.
• Oversee the development, piloting and implementation of new and innovative program approaches appropriate for the context of the CO.        

Job Responsibility #2:  Program Implementation and Technical Support - % of Time:  20%

• Ensure all projects have detailed implementation plan, procurement plan, cash forecast and spending plan that is updated on monthly/quarterly basis;
• Regularly travel to project field locations including partner visits and ensure program quality with the respective Project Manager while ensuring quality meets CARE and donors standards.
• Work with program staff to assess and identify technical assistance needs with regards to technical skills, supervision support, etc. for new and ongoing programs/projects.
• Ensure meetings with each program team is conducted on weekly basis and timely support is provided to the program teams for project implementation
• Ensure that appropriate technical, administrative and financial support is provided by the respective departments and sections of the CO to enhance the capacity of the programs/projects/field office to effectively undertake and support program implementation with progressive degrees of decentralization and autonomy.
• Follow up on and closely monitor the implementation progress of the CO program Operation Plan.
• Ensure that donor and other stakeholders reports are prepared and submitted to concerned parties, donors, counterparts and CARE members on time and in a professional manner while following the internal sign off process of reporting
• Monitor the technical quality of ongoing projects, and intervene when necessary, to correct flaws and address weakness.
• Coordinate the process of reporting on projects progress to donor, ensuring that contractual terms and conditions are respected. 
• Coordinate with Assistant Country Director Program Support (ACD-PS) and ensure that all existing and new partners have capacity development plan that is implemented according to the plan.

Job Responsibility # 3: Budget Management and Compliances % of Time 10%

• Ensure that variances between plans (financial, activities and outputs) and actual are minimized.
• Ensure 95% spending against the planned activities and budget on monthly basis.
• Proactively identity financial management challenges if any and come up with innovative solutions to improve the burn rate of project budget.
• Work closely with ACD-PS and Project Managers to ensure compliances of donor and CARE policies.
• Ensure all projects have costed work plans and updated regularly (monthly/quarterly basis)

Job Responsibility # 4: Knowledge Management % of Time 10%

• Ensure that variances between plans (financial, activities and outputs) and actual are minimized.
• Build a dynamic organization, with opportunities for innovation and personal growth by promoting a culture of, and mechanisms for, reflective practice and learning at all levels.
• Ensure linkages of COs KM&L systems to broader organizational systems and initiatives on KM&L.
• Ensure each project and thematic area has learning products that are developed during the project and presented at international conferences and other forums.
• Ensure the CO has culture of learning agenda that is promoted for all program areas.
• Ensure each project conducts inception workshop, quarterly project review workshop (with CARE and partner staff), lesson learnt workshop and the learnings are included in existing and new projects.
• Develop linkages with academia and promote culture of evidenced based programming.
• Strengthen sharing of information and technical resources across the broader organization for learning and innovation.

Job Responsibility # 5: Team Management and Team Building % of Time 10%

• Work closely with program team and systematically develop the capacity of direct reports.
• Enhance capacity of staff through mentorship, on the job training, formal and informal trainings.
• Provide acting role opportunity to direct reports and improve their leadership skills.
• Manages and overseas performance of staff associated with program development and  implementation, with a particular emphasis on maintaining quality and accountability standards, advancing and mainstreaming civil society/partnership, rights based approaches, Governance, Gender Equity and Diversity and advocacy.
• Ensure the professional development and talent management of staff is planned and implemented to maximize performance and career development.

Job Responsibility #6: Leadership and Implementation of Programme Strategy to multiply impact with a focus on Innovation and Scale - % of Time: 20%  

• Direct the alignment and implementation of the Program Strategy to the overall CO Strategy by providing thought leadership for defining the content of the strategic directions, articulating actionable roadmaps with clear milestones and monitoring and reporting results. This should ensure a balance between Development and Humanitarian Response considering the dual mandate of the organization and the local context requirements.
• Effective management of staff that strengthens the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organization to deliver sustainable impact and overall coordination between the various departments and sectors of the country office.
• Assess and identify technical needs, and develop and implement plans for technical assistance.
• Build a dynamic organization, with opportunities for innovation and personal growth by promoting a culture of, and mechanisms for, reflective practice and learning at all levels.
• Oversee development and management of department budget in accordance with policy and procedures, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of planned outputs in a timely manner.
• Cultivate external partnerships with government, community partners, donors and other stakeholders to ensure that CARE is well informed, and able to influence stakeholders.
• Lead and roll out CARE Pakistan strategy for 2022-2027. Ensure the programs are designed and implemented in line with CARE Pakistan new strategy.
• Ensure that the CO’s programming is based on sound research and analysis, timely assessments, and proactive learning.
• Develop and implement strategies for information management and learning to strengthen knowledge across the CO, and improve quality and capacity of CARE to maximize its impact in accordance with its strategy.
• Lead and/or support development, implementation and review of research and assessments assignments. Conduct continuous research and analysis into the comparative advantage of CARE in the region and lead processes to identify CARE’s niche.

Job Responsibility #7:  Advocacy % of Time 5%

• Work with CO program team and technical leads and ensure advocacy with stakeholders is done regularly.
• Develop advocacy agenda for the CO and work closely with CD and Regional Advocacy Advisor on advocacy messages.
• Develop and inform CARE’s policy and advocacy messages around gender issues, both from a humanitarian response and long-term programing perspective.
• Support the development of CARE as a respected and leading voice on specific issues in line with its strategic plan and program approach.

Job Responsibility #8:  Perform other duties as assigned                                      % of Time 5%

• Any other tasks or responsibilities based on organizational and programming need as assigned by Line Manager.
• Safety and Security is everyone’s responsibility within CI through full compliance and accountability (as per Principle –ii of the CARE International Safety & Security Principles).

Expectations as a Senior Management Team Member of the CO:

• Support HR/GEDI team in planning orientation sessions for the department and conducting refresher sessions on identified topics, as and when needed;
• Actively promote Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and monitor/maintain a GEDI enabling environment internally (within the department and organization) and externally, where voices from diverse groups are heard and incorporated into the business decision making process;
• Ensure that all decisions are analyzed through the lens of gender equity, diversity and inclusion, while maintaining a high level transparency;
• Contribute to the development of GEDI strategies (within and outside the scope of the current role), and provide support through advocating for resource allocation for GEDI initiatives;
• Actively work towards building and maintaining a diverse team of individuals and suppliers, which are representative of the population, across all levels of the organization;
• Ensure that any instances of misdemeanor conducted by a team member or against a team member, are reported and addressed as per policy;
• Keep respective team informed of the purpose, role, and members of CIP sexual harassment committee, and reassure team members that any incident witnessed and/or experienced should be reported;
• Lead with example that the organizational culture distinctly stands against SHEA at all levels and across all offices;
• Represent CIP on various forums, as and when required;
• Build cross-departmental communication and ensure relevant support is provided as and when needed to other members of the SMT.

CARE International Core Values:

ACD-P is expected to demonstrate the following Core values of CARE International:

• Transformation
• Integrity
• Diversity
• Equality
• Excellence

III. Problem Solving (Thinking Environment)

The ACD-Programs is one of the senior CARE representatives in Pakistan and as such is responsible for problem solving at a variety of levels. S/he will need to be able to analyze and resolve situations as they arise on a variety of subjects ranging from programming decisions to issues related to government and donor relations.

IV. Job Specifications  

A)     Education: 

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Social Science’s, Development Studies, International Development or related thematic sectors.

Desired: Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, International Development or related thematic sectors.

B)     Experience:

• At least 10 years’ program management experience at senior level with an INGO, UN or others.
• Minimum of 5 years’ senior level (preferably similar as this role) experience in strategic and operational planning, program design, development and implementation, fundraising, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in successfully managing institutional partnerships with national and international NGOs. Experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with donors, civil society and government counterparts.
• Extensive experience in implementing Rights-Based Approaches (RBA), advocacy strategies, gender and governance mainstreaming and initiatives.
• Experience in the development of successful proposals, reports, strategic alliances, projects design, project management and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in project grants management, including project design, budget preparation, expenditure tracking, monitoring and evaluation, reporting for projects funding by multiple public donors including; USAID, PRM, ECHO, FCDO, GIZ, EU, GAC, UN agencies and Corporate donors.
• Proven track record of business development activities capturing public and/or private donor funding.
• Experience in community development, community mobilization, or similar grassroots, self-help initiatives.
• Experience in partner capacity strengthening, staff development, training and mentoring, as well as in team building and strategic planning initiative.
• Proven track record of managing large teams including senior level staff such as Senior Project Managers, Technical leads and other Thematic experts
• Proven track record of managing large scale programs of value $ 10 million or more per annum.

C)      Technical Skills/ Competencies:

• Excellent English writing skills.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Experience and abilities in capacity strengthening – developing curricula and facilitating trainings.
• Experience of doing advocacy at multiple level.
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships.
• Ability to represent and present at High levels.
• Experience using MS Office packages (Excel, Word, power point), Web Conferencing applications, information and budget management systems and knowledge sharing networks.

V. Working Conditions and Level of Travel Required 

The base station is Islamabad with 50% travel.

The position requires frequent travel to visit project sites and coordinate with staff at the field level.  The position may also require traveling outside the country to attend some CARE world-wide program events.

CARE International in Pakistan is an equal opportunity employer; only individuals who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. CARE has a zero-tolerance approach toward sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, and child abuse.

Note: Individuals can apply using Brightspyre or send their resumes directly to [email protected] before the stated deadline along with a cover letter reflecting how the individual's qualification, experience and skill set meet the job requirements.

Please share your current as well as salary expectation along with the CV.